I like the suggestion of using the militia vest until you can secure a beaded one as they are expensive if bought and very time consuming if beading. I am in the beginning stages of beading mine now.

I do have a question though. What are thoughts on using a Civil War Shell Jacket in place of a vest for Northern Traditional regalia. I thought it might be a nice opportunity to honor the military history of my family, as well as, the Native soldiers who served at that time.